Smart Ford F-150 Lightning
Ford’s new all-electric pickup includes some pretty neat tech to help ease range anxiety for those planning to use their EV for towing over long distances.
Intelligent Range collects vehicle data to provide accurate up-to-date travel distance remaining, by determining the amount of energy consumed in real time whenever the truck is on the road. The system monitors factors like traffic speed, ambient temperature, climate control settings, route topography and more, also taking into consideration habits of similar owners via information stored in the cloud.
The FordPass Power My Trip allows users to input their trailer specs and destination into the app and, working in conjunction with the aforementioned Intelligent Range, automatically calculates an ideal route and plots charge points along the way if necessary. Lightning customers have access to the BlueOval Charge Network comprised of 20,000-plus charge locations across North America.
New Face Of The BMW X7
The flagship SUV from Bayerische Motoren Werke undergoes a facelift for the 2022 model year focused on the front fascia and under the hood.
Following the footsteps of several other manufacturers, BMW gives the X7 the split headlamp look placing ultra-thin daytime running lights at the top of the bumper and the main LEDs below. The big kidney grille gains the option of adding illumination, glowing when a door is opened or if switched on manually.
Standard xDrive40i buyers will be happy to hear the 3.0-litre inline six motor gets a 40-horsepower bump now making 375 horsepower. The M60i replaces the outgoing M50i and runs off a 4.4-litre V8 putting out 523 horsepower. Both are mated to a new eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission.
2023 Range Rover Sport
Land Rover is introducing the third-generation Range Rover Sport that looks a lot sleeker than the outgoing version and packs fresh propulsion systems.
Designers have shrunken down the headlights and grille and air intakes at the front, given the body panels a smoother appearance and applied the popular full-length taillights stretching across the liftgate. Large 23-inch alloy wheels are being offered for the first time (21-inch is standard).
Canadian customers can choose from three engines: a 48-volt mild hybrid 3.0-litre inline six, a plug-in hybrid 3.0-litre inline six and interestingly, the same 4.4-litre V8 borrowed from the aforementioned BMW X7. A zero emissions model is scheduled to follow shortly.